Need a Technical Co-Founder?

I've joined two early stage startups as the first engineering hire, so while I'm not currently looking for a new gig, I wanted to share some of the things I tell non-technical founders looking for a CTO/tech co-founder:

1. The product is not your biggest barrier to sales

For some reason, a lot of founders think they need a product just to test their business model. If you don't have tech skills, find another way to validate demand and show traction without it. As my friend Josh Symonds says:

"If you can’t sell [your idea] without an MVP, what makes you think you can sell it with one? Honestly, the difference is smaller than you’d think."

2. Tech talent is in high demand

So what makes your project special?

Start your CTO search within your network, and if you don't know many software engineers, figure out how to meet them. Most co-founders knew each other long before they started a company together.

3. Play the long game

Start small, ask them for advice, get to know them. Mention that you’re keeping an eye out for a technical co-founder, but remember, your business shouldn’t depend on it. Tell them about the success you’re having, the challenges your facing, and see what gets them excited.

4. Success attracts talent

So figure out how to build a little momentum without a developer. Start an email list, make pre-sales, talk to customers, talk to investors...the list goes on.

I joined my previous startup because the founders were making real money on email and Google Sheets. That got me excited about what we could do with real software.

Good luck!